The Africa Prosperity Network (APN) has applauded the Republic of Togo following its decision to grant visa-free entry to all African citizens, describing the move as a major step towards continental integration and the vision of a borderless Africa.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 20, 2026, APN said Togo’s new policy, which took effect on May 18, allows holders of valid African passports to enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days.
According to APN, the decision reflects growing momentum behind the “Make Africa Borderless Now” campaign and signals increasing commitment by African governments towards advancing free movement, trade and regional integration across the continent.
The organisation noted that the announcement also aligns with the vision earlier articulated by Togolese President, Faure Gnassingbé, during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2025, where he highlighted the importance of Africa’s single market in empowering small businesses, women and young entrepreneurs.
Founder and Executive Chairman of APN, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, described the development as a validation of efforts aimed at promoting free movement across Africa.
“Togo’s decision validates the momentum of the ‘Make Africa Borderless Now’ movement,” he said.
“As six African nations now lead in embracing visa-free travel, they send a clear message: integration is fast-moving beyond aspiration into an urgent imperative that today’s leaders are embracing with courage,” he added.
APN also commended the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat for championing the continent’s single market agenda.
With Togo joining the list, APN said six African countries have now formally committed to visa-free access for African citizens. These include Rwanda, Benin, The Gambia, Seychelles, Togo and Ghana, with Ghana expected to officially roll out its visa-free policy on May 25, 2026.
Despite the progress, APN expressed concern that only 28.2 per cent of intra-African travel routes are currently visa-free, citing data from the African Development Bank’s Visa Openness Index. The organisation also noted that only four countries have ratified the African Union’s Free Movement Protocol adopted in 2018, far below the 15 required for implementation.
According to APN, visa restrictions continue to undermine the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and limit opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and traders across the continent.
The organisation further argued that making Africa digitally and physically borderless would significantly boost trade, investment, job creation and economic growth.
APN has therefore called on other African countries to follow Togo’s example by adopting visa-free policies for African citizens and accelerating the ratification of the AU Free Movement Protocol.
As part of efforts to advance discussions on continental integration, APN announced plans to host a webinar on May 25, 2026, under the theme: “Confronting Afrophobia Through Economic Integration: Advancing a Visa-Free Africa for Africans to Move, Connect and Trade Freely.”
The webinar is expected to bring together policymakers, business leaders and civil society actors to discuss strategies for promoting open borders and economic integration across Africa.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
